Budget Proposes Cuts in 121 Programs

[SpartanDem]

Source: WSJ

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama's detailed 2010 budget plan, due out Thursday, will propose to eliminate or consolidate 121 domestic and defense programs to save $17 billion, administration officials said Wednesday.

The trims, though modest, are likely to spark opposition from lawmakers and interest groups seeking to shift to someone else cuts aimed at narrowing next year's projected $1.2 trillion deficit.

"There are very few programs that don't have a constituency and someone who is willing to stand up for them in Congress. We understand that," a senior administration official said. But he added, "A lot of programs are implemented with the best of intentions. Not all of them are effective."

Compared with the total $3.6 trillion spending plan for 2010, the proposed trims amount to one-half of 1%. Half the cuts would come from defense, especially Pentagon weapons programs already spelled out by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, such as trimming back the fleet of advanced F-22 fighter planes. The other half would come from programs that have strong support among progressive activists who cheered Mr. Obama's election. Programs targeted for elimination or consolidation include education and housing programs that Democratic aides said will have fierce advocates among traditionally Democratic constituencies.



Read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124162900144792405.html

[Texano78704]

1. And another $500 billion

in "defense spending" can be easily cut out by ending US imperialism abroad.

[Psephos]

2. ooohhhh, an entire 14 hours worth of the US government's spending next year

How will the Republic survive such massive, reckless slashing of vital expenditures?

B. F. D.